Michael

Senior, Business Administration, Dallas, Texas

“I have always had the drive and passion to help out the community and to give back to people. In high school I worked with Habitat for Humanity to help build houses. When I saw that Lynn University was offering trips to Jamaica and Haiti to serve the poor I knew that it was my calling and I was meant to go and help. Donating food or money is one thing but when you are actually there feeding the poor biscuits and water it really makes you feel amazing that you are giving them hope to make it another day.

While we were in Jamaica we got to help build a home for a family whose land was flooded. Now the houses are just three rooms and a porch with no running water or electricity but it didn’t seem too matter to them. To have a roof over their heads to keep them safe from the elements was a blessing to them. After we built the house we blessed it to keep the rain from falling on them and to protect them from storms. Right as we finished the blessing, it started to rain… it was almost like it was meant to be that we brought these people shelter. I had a feeling inside me I could not express to anyone.

After the trip we had a lot of time to reflect on what we just went through on this amazing rollercoaster of emotions and feelings. I wanted to push to keep helping the poor in any way. I went to my parents and I told them about this trip. I went on and on about how much I grew and how it felt to help others and give back to the poor. In the end, my family donated the money to build an entire school in Jamaica so that kids will not have to learn in a building that is falling apart around them. They will have the books, desks, and resources to get an education. My family believes that education is the key to success and hopefully we give children the opportunity to have success by doing this.

This trip has turned me into a man. I feel that it has also made me live my life differently and look at all the materials thing that I have differently. It will change your view of life at home or anyplace you travel as well. You will mature and become a better person. All I can say is that it was the best, most life-changing experience I have ever had — certainly difficult — but also the most incredible experience in my life.”

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